Established

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isa. 46:10, NIV).

God knows the end from the beginning.

You though, you can’t see the end nearly as clearly as He can. He very well may have given you glimpses, but those glimpses are limited. That’s what makes this life a walk of faith. It’s by faith, not by sight. If we could see the end perfectly, we wouldn’t need faith. So we thank Him for those glimpses at the glorious future to come, we lean heavily into the Lover of our souls, and we keep pressing forward in faith. A day at a time.

Meanwhile, we can take comfort in this. Even though you and I can’t see the future, He can. With perfect clarity,

• He sees: The overwhelmingly bountiful harvest of wholeness and righteousness that you will reap. “…A harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained…” (Heb. 12:11, NIV).
• He sees: Your heart becoming unshakably established and rooted deeply in His love. “Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Eph. 3:17, NLT).
• He sees: Your spirit flourishing like a well-watered garden. “You will be like a garden that has much water, like a spring that never runs dry” (Isa. 58:11, NCV).
• He sees: Peace like a mighty current flooding through your being. “I will extend peace to her like a river…” (Isa. 66:12, NIV).

All of these Scripture passages are describing the end result God brings about, when we submit to His majestically wise process. Each verse points to what you can’t yet see, but He can. These are the glimpses He is providing, of the glorious outcome up ahead.

He knows where this is going. He knows what He’s developing in you. He knows it’s exceedingly worth it. That’s why – even though He aches with you even more than you do and cries painful tears when you hurt – He’s willing to bring you through this season. He’s willing to lead you through the wastelands, because He knows firsthand the exquisite loveliness that can only be wrought in the acrid, searing places. And He sees the magnificent moment that is coming:

“Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her lover?” (Song 8:5, NIV).

The transformation you are undergoing as you submit to His hand is working. You are going to come up from the desert nearly unrecognizable… because His beauty will be shining through you more brilliantly than the blazing sun.

He sees all of this. So He squeezes your hand reassuringly, and He gently leads you on.

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What glimpses has Holy Spirit personally given you, of where He is taking you? In your heart of hearts, do you believe Him, that it will be exceedingly worth it?